APPARATO DI TRAZIONE EXTRA-ORALE

[Autom. eng. transl.] Facial orthopedic therapies have the primary objective of correcting or mitigating a dysfunctional growth model of the craniofacial complex and, in particular, of the maxillomandibular components. The most commonly used equipment for this purpose is the Extra-Oral Traction (TEO) or the facial mask. Both are medical-analogue devices used for diametrically opposite therapeutic purposes. In particular, TEO is used to inhibit the growth of the maxilla and promote the spontaneous growth of the mandible for the correction of skeletal class II. The facial mask, on the other hand, is used to inhibit mandibular growth and stimulate the advancement of the upper jaw for the correction of skeletal class III. Both devices require the application of bilateral and independent elastic extra-oral forces, the intensity of which is traditionally calibrated analogically by the clinician during orthodontic control. However, these devices do not have a dynamic system that allows the intensity of the applied forces to be constantly and automatically monitored and adapted. This results in a variability and a reduced reproducibility of the predefined forces during the orthodontic control. Digital systems have been proposed for monitoring the forces applied by extra-oral traction but, to date, there is no system that allows the intensity of the forces applied to be actively modulated when, for example, a postural change of the patient is taking place which modifies the tension exerted by the elastic traction or when compensatory dental movements occur which inevitably cause a modification of the applied forces. In this sense, a system with active modulation of the orthopedic forces would allow to drastically implement the reproducibility and therapeutic efficacy and, consequently, the efficiency of the treatment. This last aspect should not be underestimated if we consider that these devices are hardly accepted by the young patient and more contracted therapeutic times would improve compliance. The system to be patented consists of a digital detection device of the tension applied by an extra-oral traction (TEO, facial mask) and of mechanical modulation of the forces in the event that the tension values ​​detected do not fall within the range of predefined values - set by the operator. There are 3 fundamental elements of the device: a control unit, a group of voltage sensors, a mechanical actuation unit.